JiWire, AWG partner for free WiFi accounts

An expanded partnership between mobile leader JiWire and free WiFi provider Advanced Wireless Group (AWG) will have more consumers logging on to the mobile web from more places. A good thing for advertisers and brands alike.

The JiWire/AWG partnership will allow for WiFi to become a value added service for travelers in airports across the country.

"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with JiWire," said Scott Phillips, President and CEO, AWG. "Consumer demand for free WiFi continues to grow exponentially in our venues as new mobile devices saturate the market. JiWire has proven their ability to engage high end corporate sponsors and advertisers who desire a direct audience with our valuable audience of consumers in airports. Our customers are happy to engage with the sponsor for a brief period as an alternative to paying for fast Internet access which makes this a win-win for all involved."

"As mobile advertising evolves, solutions need to go beyond the standard ad banner to drive consumer engagement," said David Staas, President, JiWire. "By offering mobile consumers a value exchange, brands can make mobile advertising more effective, which creates a win-win for both consumer and brand. Our partnership with AWG provides that great user experience for consumers while creating maximum impact for brands through sponsored WiFi on any connected mobile device."

AWG is the North American leader for free WiFi connections in airports; Jiwire is a pioneer in ad supported WiFi business models.

Through the expanded partnership, JiWire and AWG will offer free WiFi connections in airports throughout the US; this ad supported model offers advertisers access to more than 293 million airline passengers. This traveler demographic is proven to remain connected through tablets, smartphones and laptops while traveling, making them a potentially lucrative consumer base.

According to research less than 1% of mobile consumers connect to the Web through paid mobile ports while more than 10% will access the Web if offered a free connection. The problem with many free services is that surfing time lags because of the number of people using the connection. This partnership will provide faster surfing - at least 1 Mbit/second - while also giving the brands sponsoring the connection access of an engaged mobile audience.